Imagine Dragons Slams LGBTQ Conversion Therapy in BBMA Speech

Imagine Dragons took the stage at the Billboard Music Awards with an important message — it’s time to ban conversion therapy everywhere.

The music group won the award for Top Rock Artist last night, and in what was technically the acceptance speech, lead singer Dan Reynolds opted to talk about an issue close to his heart instead.

“I just want to take this moment to say there are still 34 states that have no laws banning conversion therapy,” he said. “And on top of that, 58% of our LGBTQ population live in those states. This can change, but it’s going to take all of us talking to our state legislation, pushing forward laws to protect our LGBTQ youth.”

He added: “And lastly, I just want to say, we have seen with conversion therapy that our LGBTQ youth have double the rate of depression, triple the rate of suicide after conversion therapy. It’s not working, it needs to change.”

This is far from the first time Reynolds has addressed LGBTQ issues. Last year, he produced a documentary in which he explored the relationship between the Mormon church and its LGBTQ members (Reynolds himself is Mormon).

He’s also called for the end to conversion therapy in the past, particularly in relationship to religious organizations.

The band launched an LGBTQ musical festival in Utah back in 2017 called LoveLoud to draw attention to LGBTQ youth suicide and raise funds for organizations that support at-risk youths. This year will mark their third event.